With the beginning of fall now upon us, temperatures are beginning to drop ever so slightly, which means that more and more of us are in need of warm, hearty foods to keep ourselves satisfied throughout the day. For morning meals, few items are better for keeping hunger at bay than Kodiak Cakes' Power Cakes Protein Packed Flapjack and Waffle Mix distributed by Baker Mills from Park City, Utah.

This product is a just-add-water pancake and waffle mix made with "100% Whole Grains", containing 14 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per serving (per the packaging). One 4.9-ounce box makes 6 flapjacks, or 2 servings.

What we liked: Reception from the taste panel was very positive, with comments including: "On a busy morning, I love how I can make myself a quick source of protein.", "The directions are easy to follow and don't require too many ingredients.", "The texture of these is not too grainy.", "I like how many uses there are for this mix, beyond pancakes and waffles.", and "I would really like to buy more of this so that I could prepare it for brunch and share it with the neighbors.".

Happy 4th of July! Never made a cheesecake before, or would like to? Our brandnewfoods.com taste panel wants to share this new cheesecake mix that aims to please.

The Cheesecake Factory has just introduced The Cheesecake Factory At Home dessert mixes you can make at home. They were inspired by their famous restaurant desserts but designed to be easy (and not intimidating) to make. They are manufactured by Continental Mills, Inc. in Seattle, WA.

What we liked: "I liked the creamy, rich texture.", "It was sweet, dense, and luscious.", "The instructions were easy to follow.", "We made cheesecake skewers with fresh fruit for our friends and they really wowed them!", "This satisfied my sweet tooth!", "I brought mine over to my sister's house and it made for the best 4th of July celebration dessert!".

Did someone say, "Chocolate"? Know someone who likes to keep a quality protein powder in their pantry? Need a protein powder to help you get through the day? Our brandnewfoods.com taste panel unanimously voted this creamy chocolate fudge protein powder a winner.

Orgain's Organic Protein Powder offers a tasty protein source that was created by Dr. Andrew Abraham, physician and cancer survivor. The company is headquartered in Irvine, CA.

What we liked... Taste panel comments included, "I love that this has 21g of protein per serving!", "I've been looking for good tasting protein powder, and now I've found it!" "The chocolate fudge flavor really seems creamy.", " "It's hard to believe there's only 1g of sugar per serving!" "I'm interested in the blend of 4 types of protein in this.", "...Seems like they put in all the good stuff and left out the bad." "I like mine mixed with water, but my wife loves hers with almond milk."

Made in Nature Tart Cherries Supersnacks Organic Dried Fruit offer an antioxident-rich, tart and yet slightly sweet natural snack and are distributed by Made in Nature, LLC from Boulder, CO.

What we liked:"I love how plump and large these cherries are!", "My kids are going to love these, and so will I...yum!", "They are so moist, and there's more in the bag than meets the eye!", "They make my mouth water!"

Want a flavorful ("guest-sensitive") snack for the big game day? These whole grain, gluten-free rice chips scored big with our taste panel. They're not new, but they are definitely notable.​ Lundberg Fiesta Lime Chips (6 oz. bag) deliver a salty and sour lime taste with a thick, brown rice crunch. Per the packaging, these rice chips are distributed by Lundberg Family Farms out of Richvale, CA.

What we liked: Brandnewfoods.com taste panel comments included, "I couldn't stop after one chip," "Love the thick crunch and sour lime flavor", "Lundberg Family Farms Fiesta Lime Rice Chips score big points!", "I'm afraid my manners are going to go out the window, but I feel this impulse to lick my fingers after each bite", "Oh, these could easily become a snack I would crave, and yet feel really good about eating!".

Want to satisfy a sweet tooth this holiday season? This coconut macaroon filled chocolate bar received high notes for this satisfying sweet bite.

​Winter Edition Ritter Sport Coconut Macaroon is a 3.5 oz. high quality milk chocolate bar which is filled with pieces of coconut macaroons and crispy rice flakes. It is just one of our favorites from the century-old company, Alfred Ritter GmbH& Co. KG based in Waldenbuch, Germany.

What we liked:Comments from our taste panel included, "This bar combines my favorites with the crispy rice and the macaroons!" "The 16 smaller, pre-scored pieces are easy to break apart from the larger whole bar," "The creamy chocolate goes so well with the macaroon filling," "This macaroon-filled chocolate bar was made for sharing, but I'm afraid it's already gone!"

What we liked: Comments from taste panel members included, "I love the light and soft oaty crunch when I bite into it." "The not-too-sweet pumpkin flavor comes across nicely." "There's a good balance of oat, pumpkin and fall spice that is so satisfying." "I have to admit, if you left me alone with these, I may be guilty of eating more than one."

Want to make cupcakes but don't have time to make them from scratch? Feel like having something cinnamon-y for that fall flavor? The brandnewfoods.com taste panel had a positive response to this Limited Edition Cupcake Kit.

Betty Crocker brand Snickerdoodle Cupcake Kit is a limited edition item that is distributed by General Mills Sales, Inc. in Minneapolis, MN 55440, USA​What we liked?: "They're very light and fluffy.". "I like that they give you plenty of frosting in the kit." "It's a tasty cupcake that will satisfy my Snickerdoodle cravings!" "I love how easy they were to make." "The instructions for both the cupcakes and application of the frosting were spot on!"

Ever feel like "frozen" food is a dirty word? Ever bored with your "on-the-go" breakfast choices? Well, brandnewfoods.com found a (frozen) breakfast burrito that delivers on flavor. We just had to post this "notable" item!

What we liked: Our recent taste panel comments included, "I love the smoky taste from the Canadian Bacon," "The scrambled eggs are well-proportioned throughout the burrito," "It's a 'right sized' burrito for breakfast," and "What a great item to break the 'breakfast blahs.'"

Want to have friends over for the big game on TV, but not sure what kind of chips to serve? Beanfields bean and brown rice chips are favorites of our food blog followers. They're not "new" but they are notable!

What we liked:​ Taste panel member comments included, "I love the crunch of this chip.", "The nacho flavor is delicious.", "I like that the protein in these comes from black and navy beans and brown rice, which come first in the list of ingredients.", "These are light and tasty.", and "I'm surprised I haven't had these, but now I'm going to buy more, and try the other flavors!"

Ever have a craving for something sweet and salty in the morning? Brandnewfoods.com recently discovered this full-flavored bagel at a Southern California Ralphs Grocery Store.

Thomas' Limited Edition Salted Caramel Bagels, from Bimbo Bakeries in Horsham, PA, are out for a limited time (per the packaging and brand website).​ What we liked: Tasters commented,"These bagels are satisfying, with a fantastic, unconventional flavor for a bagel.", "The little salted caramel bits are so delicious in this bagel!", "I could eat these every day!", and "These are soft when you bite in, but they have a great chew and burst with sweet & salty caramel flavor."

Have you prepared for a Labor Day celebration this year? Here's an item that was recommended by a brandnewfoodie and received solid, positive feedback from the taste panel. We were able to find them at a local Southern California Walmart Supercenter.

Ball Park brand Tailgaters Sesame Buns are manufactured by Bimbo Bakeries in Horsham, PA and distributed by The Hillshire Brands Company (per the packaging).

What we liked: "They're so soft, ...and have fresh baked taste.", "I like the subtle sweetness.", "Love that the oversized bun that fits my hamburger well!", "Do they make these as hot dog buns as well?", and "The soft sesame seeds add a nice subtle texture to the bun."

Quick, what's the best thing in your kitchen when you start the day? For some of the brandnewfoods.com taste panel members, it's likely that it's the smell of freshly brewed coffee. The pleasant aroma can linger long after the first meal is finished.

A taste panel members found this item at our local Southern California Winco supermarket. It piqued our interest since some of our taste panel members have been to Kauai and actually went on the walking tour that this company provides on the island of Kauai, HI.

What we liked:Taster comments included, "I love the idea of a subtle coconut and caramel flavor profile in this coffee." "The smooth mouth feel of each rich sip is terrific.", "Wow, this brings me back to some of my most pleasant memories of Hawaii.", "I'm looking forward to trying other flavors of Kauai Coffee brand coffee in the future." and "This item would be fantastic to find in a gift basket - whether home or away."

We hope that you've been enjoying your summer. Members of the brandnewfoods.com taste panel have had their schedules filled with numerous activities to fill their days. However, there has been time for rest and relaxation. During the recently televised Olympic Games, several members of our taste panel were able to sit down and enjoy a few tasty snacks.

New Sour Cream & Onion flavor Garden Veggie Chips from Sensible Portions in Boulder, CO, and manufactured for distribution by TheHain Celestial Group, Inc. in Lake Success, NY were a great tasting twist on the conventional. Other Sensible Portions chip flavors include Sea Salt, BBQ, and Cheddar (Selection may vary by location.)

What we liked: Members of the taste panel commented, "I love the convenience of these stackable chips.", "Wow, there's terrific taste in these,", "These are full of flavor", "I like that these chips are potatoes with other ingredients added in." and "I can see myself eating more of these chips in the future."

Our taste panel continues to love new foods and beverages. It's great to know that the marketplace continues to introduce new and unique items to try. Another route that several of our taste panel members have shown particular interest is in recipe contests. In fact, there are numerous recipe contests, either in planning stages or currently underway, as we write this.

Hard as it might seem to believe so early in the year but several members of the brandnewfoods.com taste panel were interested in sampling one or more frozen desserts. Since ice cream and frozen desserts are popular sweet treats throughout the year, it's lucky that some new ones found their way to our grocers' freezers.

What we liked:Comments from the taste panel included "This is one tasty and decadent treat.", "I like the layers of ice cream, chocolate coating, peanut butter, and milk chocolate.", "These bars are really extra special.", "I really enjoyed my bar. I could easily eat one or two more." and "I want to try the other flavors of these!"

What is it about snacks that fascinates the brandnewfoods.com taste panel so muchj? maybe it is our ever-increasingly busy schedules or perhaps it's the number of new and innovative and convenient ready-to-eat food and beverage items that regularly turn up in the marketplace. Whatever it is, like so many others, the brandnewfoods.com taste panel sure enjoys trying new snack items.

What we liked:Comments from our taste panel members included, "Wow, great flavor on these. They would work well with dips, almpnd butter and more.", "This is one of my favorite Cheez-It Grooves items so far.", "I love the balance of flavor and texture in these.", "These would make a great add-in to lunches as well as being great for general snacking." and "These are very tasty and tempting. I'll need to be careful not to eat too many."

It's great to finally be back at work on brandnewfoods.com, the "new food blog". Here we can pick up where we left off and continue to deliver on our promise of sharing new and/or notable foods and beverages with the world.

As was the case this past weekend when we managed to run by the supermarket and pick up some products for our next taste panel session. After a brief period of sampling, Keebler Simply Made Crispy Chocolate Chip Cookie Thins distributed by Kellogg Sales Co. in Battle Creek, Michigan, became the product to get "three thumbs up" from the taste panel. Simply Made Cookie Thins are also available in Crispy Lemon Delight.

What we liked: Comments from the taste panel included "I really appreciate the serving size on these - 5 cookies per serving!", "I enjoy that these are not bogged down with a lot of preservatives.", "I really like the miniature chocolate chips.", "The crunchy texture is very pleasing - not something you find in all chocolate chip cookies.", and "These would definitely be great for an on-the-go snack or dessert.".

We would like to thank you for being patient and bearing with us during the nearly six months that brandnewfoods.com has been "off the air".

Our writers, Pete and Parker, have endured a lot during this time. With issues regarding work, school and family, they decided it was necessary to take a step back and re-evaluate their priorities. Unfortunately, this meant that brandnewfoods.com and other projects had to be put aside in order to resolve all their challenges or difficulties.

Now that brandnewfoods.com is returning, we our going to continue our promise of sharing new and/or notable food and beverage products with the world. While we will not post on a 3-5 day basis, we feel that introducing one item per 6-7 days would give us even more time to hold more taste panel meetings and reach out to more companies, so it will pay off in the end. Stay tuned and happy eating!

Thanks so much for your support and comments during our time with brandnewfoods.com!

We've enjoyed trying and sharing new and notable food and beverage finds with others. In addition, we've had the privilege of meeting so many inspiring entrepreneurs and other innovators and we've loved sharing their stories.

Current obligations for many of our brandnewfoods.com taste panel members, means that some have decided to time away from the blog with the idea of a possible return in the near future. Meanwhile, we're evaluating revamping our blog concept and/or design and we're considering new ideas.

If you have any suggestions or recommendations regarding the possible use of the brandnewfoods.com blog site and/or domain, we'd love to hear 'em! Please contact us at pete@brandnewfoods.com.

brandnewfoods.comHow it works:1.) Unpaid taste panel reviews of new & notable food​& beverage products.2.) Items receiving sufficient positive response from the taste panel will be posted to brandnewfoods.com.3.) No negative reviews. We simply decline commenton those items.4.) Samples are accepted but not required. They do not guarantee that an itemwill be posted.For more info:pete@brandnewfoods.com